Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health

Developed according to best practice approaches in clinical education and delivered utilising innovative teaching methods, the Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health will equip you with the knowledge and skills required for employment in non-registered areas of health care and management.

You'll start your studies by gaining foundational knowledge of musculoskeletal health and osteopathy and forming a basis for critical thinking. In year two, the emphasis is on evidence-based clinical practice and extending your bioscience knowledge. Your final year focuses almost entirely on the development of clinical practice learning, critical thinking and increasingly complex problem solving and decision-making.

Throughout the degree, clinical practice courses will give you industry experience by enabling you to apply your knowledge in real-world environments.

Please note: to become a registered osteopath, you must also gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Osteopathy, a one-year Level 8 programme at Ara.

Selection

Final selection is based on both academic and other entry criteria, such as effective communication skills and evidence of good character.

The increasing burden of musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and low back pain is likely to create both new challenges and opportunities within the wider health care sector. This suggests there will be good employment prospects for graduates throughout Australasia.

Employment opportunities may include working in the public or private sector as an exercise prescription consultant, rehabilitation assistant, insurance or ACC case manager, green prescription health advisor, clinical research assistant or health-related salesperson.

The Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health (BMSkH) leads directly into the Postgraduate Diploma in Osteopathy (PGDip Osteopathy). With both qualifications you can apply for registration in the General Scope of Osteopathy with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand.

Alternatively, after completing the Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health you can undertake the Master of Health Science at Ara.

New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher)

Gain skills for a health sector career with diverse opportunities.